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Where can I find
information on the Federal Commodities program?
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The September Days
Senior Center can provide the requirements to participate in this
program (734) 699-8918.
Focus
Hope
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Where can I find
information on the Focus: Hope program?
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The September Days
Senior Center can provide the requirements to participate in this
program (734) 699-8918.
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Where can I obtain my
deed?
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How do I become a
registered voter?
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Must be 18 years of
age, a U.S. Citizen and a resident of the township for at least 30
days prior to the date of the election.
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How do I obtain an
absentee voter’s ballot?
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By completing an
application to obtain an AV ballot including your reason for seeking
the AV ballot and including your signature. The last day in which to
obtain an AV ballot is 4:00 p.m. on the day before the election and in
this case, the AV ballot must be voted in the Clerk’s Office.
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How do I get placed
on a permanent absentee voter list?
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By filling out a completed
request
to be placed on permanent absentee voter list to receive an absentee
ballot for future elections.
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How do I obtain a
copy of the Township Board minutes?
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All requests for
copies of township records are processed in accordance with the
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The purpose for this is twofold: to
ensure all requests are properly accounted for and to ensure the
policy regarding the release of documents is enforced uniformly and in
accordance with law.
Minutes are also posted on the website.
Requests should be made in writing; a form is available in the Clerk's
Office for this purpose. Please be specific about the documents you
are seeking so that your request may be processed in a timely and
efficient manner. The FOIA provides for fees to be assessed in
processing requests including per page photocopying costs and staff
time in researching township records. In some cases, a deposit may be
required prior to the start of document compilation. FOIA requests
must be processed within five (5) business days from receipt of the
request, however, the FOIA does permit for extensions in responding
based upon the nature of the request (i.e. large volume of material,
etc.). Further, the FOIA provides for the exemption of some documents
from being released to the public.
Once the documents you have requested are available, you will be
notified, in writing, that your request has been processed and the
status of the documents requested. At this time, you will also be
given the total cost in providing the materials you requested. Payment
for document requests may be made to the Township Treasurer with
checks being made payable to Van Buren Township.
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How do I express my
interest in serving on a township committee or commission?
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Applications to
serve on various township committees and commissions may be obtained
from the Supervisor's Office.
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How do I obtain a job
application?
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Township policy
provides for applications for employment to be accepted only when
there is an open position. Employment applications may be obtained
from the Clerk's Office during regular business hours. For those
seeking employment as a firefighter, dispatcher or police officer,
applications may be obtained from the Department of Public Safety.
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Where can I find
employment notices?
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The township
utilizes a variety of sources when seeking qualified applicants to
fill vacant positions. These include advertising in the local papers,
placing job notices with area colleges and universities and placing
ads in professional trade publications. You may also contact the
Clerk's Office to obtain additional information on hiring information.
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Where can I find the
township cemeteries?
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Please visit our
area map site to learn where the township’s four cemeteries, Denton,
Otisville, Soop and Tyler, are located; or call the Clerk’s Office at
(734) 699-8909 for more information.
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Where can I find
birth/death certificates?
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The township does
not maintain a database on birth or death certificates, however, you
may be able to obtain this information by contacting Wayne County at
(313) 224-5535.
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Where can I find a
copy of my marriage license?
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If you were married
in Wayne County, the County may be able to assist you. Please call
(313) 224-5514 for more information.
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Where can I find
information on property taxes?
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The Treasurer’s
Office can assist with questions regarding property taxes, special
assessments and related matters. Tax information can also be found
online, via the following link:
Online Tax Data
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What taxes can I
expect to pay in Van Buren Township?
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Tax Statements are
sent out twice a year, July 1 and December 1. The July tax statement
is 100% School Taxes., plus 100% of Wayne County Operating millage.
The December Tax Statement is County and Township taxes. Click here
for more information on
Millage Rates and to estimate your tax bill on our
Property Tax Table.
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What are the due
dates for my property taxes?
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The July Tax
Statement is mailed July 1 and payable through September 14. The
December Tax Statement is mailed December 1 and payable through
February 14.
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Will the due dates be
extended?
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Traditionally, the
Van Buren Township Board have extended the due date on property taxes
until the last business day of the month the taxes are due. Watch the
Belleville Enterprise and the televised Board Meetings for more
information.
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Do you accept partial
payments on tax bills?
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Van Buren Township
does not accept partial payment on real property tax bills.
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What happens if my
tax bill is paid twice?
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Michigan
State law requires that when a duplicate payment is made the party who
made the duplicate payment is to be refunded. The original payment can
not be refunded.
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What happens if I
overpay or underpay my tax bill?
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In the event of an
overpayment, the tax bill will be processed for the base amount and
the overage will be refunded to you. The process generally takes
between two and three weeks. In the event of underpayment, the payment
will not be processed and will be returned to you immediately. Van
Buren Township does not accept partial payments.
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Where can I make my
payments?
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The Treasurer's
Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am until 5:00pm.
Payments can be placed in our 24 hour drop box which is located in the
Public Safety lobby. Checks and money orders only please.
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Do you accept credit
cards?
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Credit card
payments can be facilitated. In cooperation with Van Buren Township,
Official Payments Corporation offers the opportunity to pay property
taxes by the telephone or over the internet. Official Payments
Corporation does charge a 3% convenience fee for this service. For
more information, please call the Treasurer’s Office.
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What happens if my
payment is late?
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Penalty and
Interest will accrue on late payments. Please contact the Treasurer's
Office staff at (734) 699-8903 for late payment information.
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I've changed mortgage
companies, do I need to notify you?
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To ensure that we
have the correct information, please call the Treasurer's Office
at (734) 699-8903 if
you have switched mortgage companies or discontinued using one. You can send your information through e-mail as well.
Send your message to
sbellingham@vanburen-mi.org.
Please include your parcel number or address.
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How do I make name
and address changes?
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For name and
address changes, please contact the Treasurer's Office at (734)
699-8903. Or, send an e-mail to
sbellingham@vanburen-mi.org.
Please include your parcel number or address. You can also fill out
the section on the back of your tax bill stub and return it to the
Treasurer’s Office along with your payment.
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Does my dog need a
license in Van Buren Township?
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Michigan law requires that all dogs over the age of
four months be licensed. Every dog at each residence must have a
current township license, and must be renewed every year. All licenses
expire on May 31st.
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How much does a dog
license cost?
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Van Buren Township
dog licenses are $5.00 if purchased before June 15. Beginning June 16,
the price increases to $10.00. Senior citizens receive half priced
licenses for their pets. New pets acquired after the June 15 deadline
also receive discounted licenses. Please contact the Treasurer's
Office for this information to (734) 699-8906.
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What do I need to
bring with me when I purchase my license?
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Your dog's current
rabies vaccination records are required when purchasing a license.
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When do you begin
licensing dogs?
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We begin
distributing dog licenses at the $5.00 rate April 1 through June 15.
Licenses can be purchased throughout the remainder of the year at the
$10.00 rate.
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Do you license cats
or other animals?
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Van Buren Township
only licenses dogs.
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Do you vaccinate
dogs?
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Van Buren Township
does not vaccinate dogs. We do, however, sponsor a
drive-through
vaccination clinic each year in May. Vaccinations and licenses can be
obtained at the annual event. Watch the Belleville Enterprise and the
televised Board Meetings for more information on date, time and cost.
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Does the Township
Animal Control Official take care of all animals?
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The Van Buren
Township Animal Control Official only picks up dogs. If you have any
other concerns with different types of animals you will need to
contact animal services.
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How do I report a
stray dog?
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Complaints of this
nature may be directed to the Dog Warden by calling (734) 699-8900 or
8939 ext. 238 during regular business hours, or by calling the Public
Safety Department at 699-8930. If you are calling to report an
emergency situation involving an attack by a dog, or other animal,
please call 9-1-1.
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How many dogs can I
have?
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There is no limit
on the amount of dogs, as long as each one has a current license.
Common sense and neighborly courtesy dictates the amount you should
have.
- Can I remain
anonymous if I file a cruelty/neglect complaint?
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Yes. However, sometimes your testimony
in court might be the deciding factor in proving guilt. All attempts
will be made to keep you from testifying.
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How do I obtain a
building permit?
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Building permits
are processed through the Department of Developmental Services. Staff
can assist you in determining the types of permits needed, provide
information on the applicable ordinances and codes governing the
project you are commencing and provide inspections to ensure your
construction is in compliance with township ordinances and state and
federal codes.
·
What
information is needed for a building permit?
o
Two
complete sets of plans for construction with dimensions drawn to scale.
o
Include a
short written description of the project and include a materials list.
o
Show the
location of the electrical outlets, smoke detectors, lighting/fan
fixtures.
o
Include
window sizes and identify the emergency escape and rescue openings.
o
Submit
the floor plan.
o
A
mortgage surveyor plot plan that includes:
§
The
location of the project.
§
The
dimensions of the project.
§
The
distance from the property lines and the location of any easements.
If you should have any
questions regarding your project, keep in mind that, checking with the
building department ahead of time can reduce the chance of having to do
costly repairs to bring the work in compliance with the applicable codes.
·
What
type of project requires a permit?
o
Any
project that will enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the
occupancy use of a building or structure.
o
Any
project to install, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any
electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system.
·
What
type of work can I do without a permit?
o
A
sidewalk or driveway that is not more than 30 inches above the adjacent
grade
o
Painting,
papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish
work
o
A
prefabricated swimming pool that is less than 24 inches deep
o
Swings
and other playground equipment that are accessory to a one (1) or two (2)
family dwelling
o
Emergency
repairs may be performed, however the permit application must be submitted
to the building department the next working business day.
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Do I need a building
permit for a fence?
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A fence
authorization form is required. This form is available at the
Township Hall Building Department or may be downloaded from the forms
section of this website. Items to be submitted with the authorization
form are:
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Mortgage survey,
with the proposed location, type and height of fence indicated.
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Where applicable,
homeowners association approval letter.
There is NO fee for this authorization. Please allow two (2) to
four (4) days for approval.
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How long does it take
to process a building permit?
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It will take up to
ten (10) working days to have your building permit processed.
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How much does a
building permit cost?
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Fees for permits
are based upon the scope of working being done.
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How deep do footings
need to be for a deck?
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Van Buren Township
requires a 42 inch footing.
Back to Top
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How do I get
connected to township water/sewer?
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Contact the Water
and Sewer Department by calling (734) 699-8925. Staff can provide you
with information on taps, connections and billing.
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How often do are
water bills sent out?
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The Township bills
most customers on a quarterly basis.
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Where can I pay my
bill?
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Payments can be
mailed to : The Charter Township of Van Buren, 46425 Tyler Road,
Belleville, MI. 48111
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They can be paid at
the Treasurer's Office at the Municipal Center.
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They can be put in
the drop box in the lobby of the Public Safety.
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Automatic
withdrawals can be set up by calling (734) 699-8925.
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If I have a question
about my water bill, who do I call?
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You can call the
Water Department at (734) 699-8925 to get answers about your water
bill.
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You can visit the
Water Department at 46425 Tyler Road, Monday through Friday, between
8:00 a.m. and 5 p.m.
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Where does my
drinking water come from?
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The drinking water
for Van Buren Township comes from the Detroit Water and Sewerage
Department (DWSD) and is treated at their Southwest Drinking Water
Plant before being transported to the Township. For more information
about DWSD and where the Township water comes from, visit
www.dwsd.org.
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How are water and
sewer rates calculated?
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Water and sewer
rates are reviewed annually be department staff, the Township Water
and Sewer Commission and the Township Board of Trustees. Rates are
calculated to cover the cost of department staff wages and benefits,
system operations and maintenance, operating supplies, utilities,
equipment operation and maintenance, capital improvements to the
systems and the cost to purchase water from DWSD and the treatment of
wastewater at one of the four wastewater treatments plants that serve
Van Buren Township.
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Where can I find Van
Buren Park?
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The township's
101-acre park is located along South I-94 Service Drive near the
Lakewood Shopping Center, just east of Rawsonville Road.
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How do I get a season
pass to Van Buren Park?
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The Department of
Community Services sells annual park passes to township and City of
Belleville residents only. See the
parks fee
schedule for rates.
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How do I get a
message placed on the Governmental Access Channel?
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The Cable
Department requests that all messages for Channel 12 be put in writing
to ensure accuracy. A township policy governs the notices broadcast on
Channel 12. Generally, messages must be of community interest and not
for the purpose of soliciting money.
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Where can I find the
annual fireworks display?
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Every year, the
township hosts an annual fireworks display at the Beck Road ball
diamonds. Beck Road is north of the North I-94 Service Drive, south
of Tyler Road. This area is also known as the Quirk Subdivision with
North Middle School only a few blocks away.
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When is the Haunted
Forest, the Marshmallow Drop, etc.?
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All recreational
activities hosted by the township are advertised in our
Lake Ledger
newsletter that is published quarterly. They are also noticed on VBTV
Channel 12 and flyers are often distributed to area schools and within
township hall. You can also obtain information on our many multi-age
recreational activities by contacting the Department of Community
Services at (734) 699-8921.
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When is the road side
pick-up of composting materials?
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The Township
contracts for curbside collection of compost materials commences with
Waste Management, Inc. Curbside collection commences annually on the
first full week of April and ends the last full week of November.
Compost materials are collected on the same day as your rubbish.
Visit the
composting page for
guidelines. The
Environmental Office can provide information on composting by calling
(734) 699-8913.
- What are
the guidelines for utilizing the Woodland Meadows landfill?
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See this
flyer for details.
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What items can I
recycle?
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See this
flyer for
guidelines.
- How can I dispose of tires?
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See this
flyer for details.
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How may I dispose of
oil and antifreeze?
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How can I get an
orange recycling bin?
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Bins are available
at the Township for $7.50.
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I've just moved into
a brand new home. How would I acquire the large toter on wheels?
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Call (734)699-8926,
residents of brand new homes receive their first toter free of charge
(two (2) to three (3) weeks for delivery).
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The wheels are broken
on my toter, or my toter needs repair work, what do I do?
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Call (734)699-8926
and ask to be put on the list for a repair (two (2) to three (3) weeks
for delivery).
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I don't have a toter.
How should I set my trash out?
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Trash can be set
out in regular trash bags or any 32 gallon container or smaller.
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Where can I find the
township museum?
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The
Belleville Area
Museum is located in the former Van Buren Township Hall. It is located
at 405 Main Street in downtown Belleville.
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Where can I find
information on services for veterans?
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Veterans Affairs
located in Detroit may be of help to you. They can be reached by
calling (313) 224-5045.
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What is the Open
Meetings Act?
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The Open Meetings
Act (OMA) governs the method by which the public is informed of
meetings to be held by various bodies including the Township Board and
various commissions and committees. The OMA also governs posting
requirements, items to be deliberated in a public forum and those
matters that are exempt from public discussion. The Clerk's Office can
assist you with any other questions you may have about the OMA.
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What is Closed
Session?
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The Township Board
of Trustees can go into a Closed Session for the purposes of
deliberating upon matters that are exempt from public disclosure.
Michigan law provides for those matters that are exempt from public
deliberation, and they generally include discussing pending
litigation, land acquisitions, and collective bargaining matters. The
OMA sets forth certain requirements regarding the noticing of Closed
Sessions and the records of such sessions.
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What is the Freedom
of Information Act?
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) governs the
dissemination of documents to the public. A majority of the documents held
at Township Hall are public in nature and can be released to anyone who
requests them. The Clerk's Office handles FOIA requests.
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What is a PRD, an
R-1A, an M-1, etc.?
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A Planned
Residential Development (PRD) is a relatively new term being used to
describe those developments that include green space and other
amenities in exchange for relaxed zoning requirements (i.e. smaller
lot size). R-1A and M-1 and other similar terms refer to the zoning of
a particular area of land. In local government, you will find a
multitude of acronyms used. Many refer to building and planning
matters. Please contact either the Department of Developmental
Services or the Clerk's Office for assistance in learning the
definitions of these acronyms.
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